Mr. Martin Vaughan:

Ms Neary has already explained how simple and inexpensive the particular issue we are considering here is so I do not think the Acting Chairman would have a problem with his plumber if he went to them and I do not think legal recourse would be necessary. On a more serious issue regarding the overall quality of a house, if building regulations have not been complied with and if the owner does not get engagement, the building code is enforceable and there is legal recourse through the courts. Given our experience in the past few years with the building boom where there was widespread disregard of the regulatory requirements, we have moved to put in place a better building control framework. That involves oversight of the construction project by professionals. Registered construction professionals must draw up inspection plans, execute them with others and certify the building when it is complete. We are also investing in oversight by local authorities to support that system. The points that Deputy Ó Snodaigh and the Acting Chairman made about the lack of oversight previously are well made. The system has reacted to those and there will be better oversight by industry professionals and local authorities of every house that is built in the future.